Multiple ironing machine



March 31, 1953 J. H. LEEF 2,632,966

MULTIPLE IRONING MACHINE original Fiied May 1. 194e v 3 sheets-sheet 1 March 31, 1953 Original Filed May l, 1948 J. H. LEEF' MULTIPLE IRONING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 7222124 ffzgm m March 31, 1953 y J. H. LEEF 2,632,966

MULTIPLE IRONING MACHINE Original Filed May l, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 I I y o u i4 4M [r w Z x 75///% I f if 5?/ 70; 7 "s 73 wf ,t

ffy- 5 wf 764E 7J Patented Mar. 31, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,632,966 Y MULTIPLE IRONIN G MACHINE John H. Leef, Minneapolis, Minn.

Original application May 1, 1948, Serial No.

24,571, now Patent No. 2,566,477, dated September 4, 1951. Divided and this application February 15, 1950, Serial No. 144,343

tion of garments therebetween and the removal of `garments therefrom, and are manually brought into pressing engagement and locked therein. t

The primary object of my invention is the provisionof a-device,wherein ironers of the above type are mounted on an endless track for movements lto and from van operators station and meansv'for automatically opening and closing said garmentironers at timed intervals adjacent the operators station.

'Another' object of my invention is the provision of means `for successively and independently opening each'of` the ironers in agroup, as f set forth, as the same approaches an operators station land means for successively and independently closing each of said ironers as it leaves the operators station.

Another-inject of my invention is the provision of mann lly-operated meansV for renderingthe means fo -mclosing the ironers whereby the ironers may be cooled While in an open4 condition. l Y v Another object of my invention is the provision of a plurality of ironers, as set forth,'mounted forfcontinuous and uninterrupted movements about an endless circular track, each having an ironerfclosing lever engageable with means adjacent the trackv for automatically moving said lever to an Vironer-closed position.

Another objectof my invention is the provision of fluid pressure-operatedV `mechanism mounted' adjacent the track and engageable with operative levers'of the ironers'to successively close "the" ironers as each thereof leaves the operators station.`

inoperative,

Still another object of my invention is the provision ofsa plurality of ironers, as set forth having release mechanisms permitting said ironers s to open, and fluid pressure-operated mechanism mounted'adjacent the track, and in spaced relation tothe ironer-closing mechanism, for operating'the release mechanism of said ironers to 2 successively open the approaches the operators station.

'inother object of my invention is the prov1s1on of control means for the iiuid pressureoperating mechanism, and operating means for said control means responsive to movements of Y,

the ironers about the track to operate `said coni trol means.

A still further object-'of my invention is the provision of a garment ironer, as set forth, and operating mechanism therefor, which is relatively inexpensive to produce, rugged in construction, and efficient and durable in use.

Other highly important objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from the followingdetailed specifications, appended claims, and attached drawings.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like characters indicate like parts throughout theseveral views: y

Fig. l is a plan illustrating a group of ironers mounted on a turntable in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sec? tion taken substantially onthe line 2-2 of Fig. 1,

some parts being broken away;

Fig. 3 is a still further enlarged fragmentary ectin taken substantially on the line 3-3 of 1g. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary detail, partly in side elevation and partly in section, taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 an enlarged fragmentaryA detail, partly in elevation and partly in section, taken sub-` stantially on the line 5 5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on the line 6 6 of Fig. 3; and Fig. 7 is a detail, partly in elevation and partly 1n section, taken substantially on the line 1-1 of Fig. 4.

Referring with greater particularity to the drawlngs, the numeral l indicates, in its entirety, a turntable comprising an annular supporting plate 2 secured to a concentric annular hub 3 by means of a plurality of radial arms 4. The plate 2 is reinforced by concentric annular flanges 5 and 6, the latter being in the nature of structural angle iron. Depending spaced iianges 1 form bearing brackets journalling wheels 8 for rotation upon an endless circular track 9.

'Mounted faston the annular supporting plate 2 is a plurality of circumferentially-spaced pressing or ironing devices I0, each having a relatively stationary pressing shoe Il and a relatively movable pressing shoe I2. As shown in Fig. 2, the xed elements Hare mounted on circumierem` ironers as each thereof r tially-spaced pedestal-like supporting base structures i3. Each shoe I2 is provided with arms I4 rigidly secured thereto, projecting radially inwardly of the turntable I and pivoted at their intermediate portions to their respective bases I3, as indicated at I5. At their radially inner ends, the arms I4 are providedy with the customary counterweights I6. Each of the ironers Il! have identical linkage for moving their respective movable shoes I2 from the full line posi tion of Fig. 2 to the dotted line position thereof and vice versa. For the sake of brevity, but one of the operating linkage units willY be described.

A toggle link I1 has its upper end pivoted to the arm I4 intermediate the pivot I5 and the ccunterweighted end I6, as indicated at I8. The lower end of the toggle link I1 is pivotally connected to ia second toggle link I9, as at 26, which toggle link I9 has its lower end pivoted to the base I3, as indicated at ZI. An operating Ilever in the form of a treadle 22 is pivotally secured to .the base I3, as indicated Iat 23, :and projects nadially outwardly of the base I3 and turntable I through a slot 24 in the base I3. A generally vertically-'disposed link 25 has its lower end -pivoted to the `intermediate portion 26 of the lever 22 and has its upper end pivoted to one end of a lever arm 21, as indicated at 26. The lever 'arm 2'I is mounted forrocking movements on Ia rockV shaft 29 extending transversely of the base I3 and having itsinwardlyeprojected end coupled to the 'intermediate portion 35 of the toggle link I9 by means of ya relatively short link 3l, which is` connected to the radially inner end of the lever arm 21,as at 32. It should be obvious, by reference to Fig. 2, th-atdownward movement of the lever 22 will cause movements of the movable shoe- I2 in the direction of the 'relatively xed shoe II to close the ironer, :as indicated by full lines. Converselyyupward movement olf the lever 22 will cause movements of the movable shoe I2 in a 4direction away from the stationary Ishoe II, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 2. A coil tension spring 33 has one'end secured to the vertical link 25 and its opposite end ranchored -to the base I3, whereby to bias the lever 22 in an upward direction to move the shoe I2 in 'an' ironer-open direction away from the relatively fixed shoe I I. A sto-p screw 34 limits movement-s lof the linkage and consequent movement of the movable shoe I2 in the direction of the fixed shoe II.

The several ironers III are provided with means for locking the -levers 22 thereof in their depressed positions,` `as best shown in Figs. 2 4 in. clusive fand '7. In each of the several ironers I0, said means includes a laterally-projecting pin 35 adjacent the outer end of the lever 22 adapted to have sliding vengagement with an :arm 36 pivoted at radially vouter surface oi the Ibase I3. The Iarm 36 is yieldingly biasedin the direction of the pin 35 by means of a coil compression spring v38 and isprovided withv jan oiiset portion intermediate its ends, which forms a recess 39 in which the pin 35 is seated when the lever 22 is in its extreme `depressed position, as shown in Figs. 2 and`7. A release lever 49 is pivotally secured to the base I3, as indicated vat 4I, andextends radially outwardly of the turntable I at one side of the lever 22 land parallel thereto. A bell crank 42 has its intermedi-ate portion pivotally secured to the release lever 40, as indicated 'at 43, and has one of its arms 44 held against :vertical swinging moveits lower end to a bracket 31 secured to the flink chain' 55'.

ments by means of a rigid link 45 secured thereto land to the base I3 by means of a bracket 46 (see particularly Figs. 3, 4, and 7). The other arm 4'I of the bell crank 42 extends generally lupwardly and is adapted to engage a laterally-projecting lug 48 on the arm 36. Downward movement of the release lever'46 causes the armfl to' swing radially inwardly with respect to the turntable, 'and a consequent movement in a direction radi-ally inwardly of the turntable of the arm 36 Iagainst bias of the spring 38, as best shown in Fig. 4. This inward movement lof the arm 36 releases the laterally-projecting pin from the recess 39 and iallows bias of the spring 33 4to move the lever 22 in an upward direction, and consequent movements of the relatively movable shoe I2 in a ydirection Iaway from the relatively fixed shoe I I to open the ironer I2. A coil tension spring 49 has one end anchored to the release lever and its other end to the base I3',.whereby to bias the release lever 46 in 'an upward direction.

For the purpose of supplying heat, preferably through the medium of dry steam, tothe several movable pressing shoes I 2,. I provide Ian inlet pipe 5D, the Vllower end-of which is rotatably connected t-o the upper portion of -fa steam manifold 5I through a packing gland 52. The upper or input portion 53 of themanifold 5I is -divided `from the vlower or exhaust portion 54 thereof by a partiti-on- 55 having therein la central drain orifice 56. A plurality of flexible inlet tubes'I leadone each rfrom the inlet chamber 53 of the manifold 5I to one of the movable `shoes I2. The shoes I2 yare each provided with flexible drain pipes or tubes ence to Fig-s. 1 and 2, that the manifold 5I overlies 'and is concentric with the hub 3 of the turntablel and that the exible tubes' '51 Iand 58 ra` diate outwardly from the manifold 5I to their respective shoes I2.

vContinuous and uninterrupted rotary move-V ment ata relatively slow lspeed is imparted to the turntable I by a motor. 6I (see Fig. l) which' drives a shaft 62 through reduction gearing not shown but contained within la gear b ox 63. A sprocket wheel 64 is secured fast to the shaft 62 and positively drives a link chain 65 which extends about and is carried within a -channel 66 formed by the outer peripheral portion of theV plate 2 and the flange 6. The chain t65 is maintained in frictional driving contact with the ange 6 by means of Ian idler pulley 61 journalled to one arm of a bell crank 68 thatis, pivoted toa stationary quadrant 69. Pin and socket connections I0 of conventional design are utilized to maintain the idler `6'I in a position to tighten the Obviously,` moving the bell ycrank 68 inv a 'counter-clockwise"direction with respect to Fig. l will loosen the link chain 65 in the channel 66. This arrangement provides lan inexpensive but very satisfactory drive for the turntable I.` v It will be observed that the turntable I rotates in 'a clockwise direction with respect to and as shown by arrows in Fig. 1.

I provide means adjacent the periphery of the turntable I and to one side of an operators extends downwardly through the lower end of the cylinder 1| and is provided at its lowerend with a presser foot 18, which extends generally` in the direction of movement of the turntable and which'is adapted to be moved intoand out of the path of travel ofthe several levers 22 about the track and to engage rollers'11 mounted on the outer ends of the lever 22-by means of bearing brackets v18. The piston 12 and piston rod 15 are yieldingly biasedin a direction away from engagement with the several rollers 11 by means of a coil compression spring 19. Fluid under pressure is admitted to one end of the cylinder 1| fromY a source of fluid pressure not shown,

through conduit means 88. A three-Way valve 8| is interposed in the conduit means-80 and is secured vto the supporting frame 13 by means of machine screws or the like 82. The valve 8i may `beof any particular type, but preferably and as shown is provided with a rotary valve plug 83,-which is chambered to allow fluid under pressure to pass therethrough from the source of pressure'to the cylinder 1|.` The plug 83 may be turned to allow passage of uid from the cylinder "1| Vto atmosphere through a port 84 in the valve 8|. The plug 83 extends outwardly through the body of the valve 8| and has rigidly secured to the outer end thereof a pair of ciroumferentially-spaoed movable finger members 85 and86 that are adapted to engage, upon rotation of, the turntable l, valve-operating abutments'fand 88 respectively. The abutments 81 and 98: are in the nature of lugs, or pins mounted one eachon the base i3 in vertically andhorizontally-spaced relationship. Y It will be understood that each ironer i3 is provided with a pair of abutments 81 and 88. I also provide a manually-controlled shut-off valve 89 in the conduit means 80 between thejsource of pressure and the valve 8| and located at a point within easy reach lof theoperator ofthe machine.

'Movement of the turntable ,I in a direction from the right to the left with respect to Fig. 6

causes the abutment 88 to engage the movable` member 88 and move the same to a point where the .chamber of` the plug 83 will admit fluid under' pressure from the source of pressure to the cylinder 1|. Pressure within the cylinder 1| will 'jbe sufficient to move the piston 12 against iias of' the spring 19 and cause the foot 18 to engage the roller 11 passingv thereunder and depress the lever 22 to its extreme downward 86 to its desired position, the outer end of the member. 86 will be moved upwardly to a point where the abutment 88 may pass thereunder. This movement of the` member 86 causes the member to be moved to a point where it may be engaged by the abutment 81 upon continued movement of the turntable. Similarly, when the abutment 31 has moved the member 85 to a point Where uid is allowed to escape from ,theA cylinder 1| to atmosphere through the valve 8|,

9| mouned forreciprocation therein, and a pisl ton plunger rod 92 connectedto said piston 9| and projectingV axially outwardly of the cylinder 98, and operating connectionstherebetween and the release lever 48. The cylinder 98 is pivotally connected, asxindicated at 93, to a stationary y supporting frame 94, which is located adjacent the turntable I and at the opposite side of the" operators station X from the frame 13 and the i structure carried thereby. `A rocker arm 95 is intermediatelypivoted, as indicated at 96, to thev upper end ofthe supporting frame 91|,l and has its outer end pivotallyconnected to the upper` end of the piston plunger rod 92, as at 91. At

its inner end, the rocker arm 95 is formedto' provide bearings which journala roller 98 that overlies the path of travel of the release lever 40.

Fluid under pressure from a source not shownis admitted to `the cylinder through a conduit 99 and a three-way valve |00,said valve being se` cured fast to the supporting frame 94 by means ofscrews or the like IUI. The valve |88 is similar tothe Valve 8 i, having therein a rotary plug |02,

which is chamberecl to allow duid under pressure Y to be admitted to the interior of the cylinder 98* through the conduit 99. The plug |02 is rotatable, whereby to allow fluid to escape from the p cylinder 90 through the conduit 99 to atmosphere through a port |03 in the valve |00. The plug |02 extends outwardly of the valveA body |00 and terminates in a pair of circumferentially-spaced radially-projecting arms |04 and |05, which are adapted to be engaged and moved by respective abutment lugs or pins |08 and |01 projecting ral dially outwardly from the turntable It should`V be noted that the roller 98 is adapted to be moved by the piston 9| into vand out of the path of travel ofthe several release levers 40 about the'tr'ack,

and that there is provided a pair of abutments".

|86and |01 for each ironer |8. f,

As a given ironer l0 approaches the operators i station X, the abutment lug |01 for its respective 1roner I8 will engage and move the valve-operating arm |05 and thereby cause rotation of the plug |02 to a position to permit fluid under pressure to enter the cylinder 90. Resultant movement of the piston 9| and the plunger rod 92 in an upward direction will cause rockingmovement of the rocker arm 95 and engagement Vof the release lever 48 by the roller 98. Continued downward movement of the roller 98 will cause the release lever 40 to disengage the locking means from the lever 22 and allow the same to move upwardlyA to the dotted line position of Figs. 2

and 4, wherein it will be seen that the movable f shoe I2 connected therewith is moved away from its cooperating relatively fixed shoe l2. Aslthe abutment |06 moves` from the rightto the left.`

may

with respect totFig.; upon.. rotary.- mmfement` off thetu-rntable'-. lf, ythieplugfI-Etl` will be. rotated to2 a. poi-ntfA Where the: iiuid...will be: allowed to; escape from thescylinder Sitto;atmosphereithrough the port; |03.. Asathe: abutment |106' progressesfun; ther-from the. right to-.the.1ef.t iirwill pass over the;- outer end; oft the armA lad and'. the operating arm: l Will.-v be; moved;A toits dotted: line. position. ofliig; 72, Where; it. Will be-engageable with the next successive abutmentizl;

When it-.is desired tosuspendoperationszoiiv the, machine, the-shutfoirvalve is manipulated.tol prevent fluid under pressure from. entering; the cylinder 'l Il. Thus,..the piston 12 and;p1unger-rod 151 will be. rendered. inoperative to. depress theseveral; levers: 22;l and. under continued rotation. of? the. turntable-t I; all ironers.v will. be. placed, in, an open.- condition and remain so` until theshuta off? valve. 8.9 isu againopened,y This arrangement,

permits; shutting down of the.. ironing machinev without. danger of.: the heatedshoes. I 2.. scorching the: conventional. cloth. covering and padding on the.stationaryl shoes l l.y

lit-is: understood thatthe-ironers I herein dis,- closediarein themselvesold inthe art. lhave: Qund': that, .by-mounting.. theseironers ,on a turntableasshovtniand automaticallyvv controlling the movementsof the-,movable shoeswith respect to. mamma-tively 'iod; shoesY thereof,` I have. been able-to 4ertectasroat Savinssin time and laborthe ironing.J of; various earmontson: aproduc.- tion scale...

VS/hiiev I1.. have shown and; described; a: commer cial embodiment of; mv.- inmmvody ironing. machina it. will. he. understood. that the same is capable oi. modifloat-ion` Without; departure from thefspirit; and` acordarme-.invention as donned: io-.tbezclaimst WhatI claimis:V

1-. y In-an ironing machine of; the ,class-described, an endless track, a supporting structure mounted and auided-.for travelling.- movements about. saidtraols .driving mechanism for imparting move..-

rrients.; to.; said supporting structure about. said.

tio-n.` to olosetliefironer.- andsmeans adjacent. the; track. for.y moving. said-operating, lever -towardgits immer-closed: position, saidy means comprising; a. presser element, meanslmounting said. presser. element-@for lever-operating movements intoand outfofftl'ie .pathoi travelbffsaid: lever about-:.saidz track.'V andg power-operated; mechanism for im;-A parting levert-operating movements, to;v snijd' presser Aelement vto l.operatesaid lever to..close the.

ironer..

2. Theistructure dened: in claim'1in-further.`

combinatiomwith; control meansifor.- said` power-.- operated mechanisnri--,A said. control* mea-ns com.-V prisingfan abutment. mounted-on said` supporting structure. for common. movements, tlrerewithy ahoutisaid ftraoki ,and-.control mechanism-.ineluttingamovable member-.intein the path oi ftravelf;

of said abutment and .responsive to engagement therewith to .rendersaid p oWer-operated-mechar.

operative.

3: Inanironing machineofgthe-class described; amendless-circulantraek, a supporting structure mQunted; and. guided: for travelling movementsaboutsaid.V track; drivingv meehanismforimpart ing continuous and uninterrupted movement to said.' supporti-ng` structure.` about said track. anormally. opengarment-.ironermounted on` said suimQrtiI-ig;structureV and` comprising cooperating Dressing shoes mounted, for relative movement between. at, normallyopen position and a, closed position, anoperating.; lever-carriedby the supporizing structureforl movements with respect theretirY operating linkagef associated With.- said leyer; andone. Qfsaidl pressing shoes; and responsivezto, movement; of said, lever inone direction toolose the-ironen-.and means adjacent thetrack forgmovmgfsa-idoperating lever-toward, its ironerclosedposition, said;- meansfoomprising; a presser foot., a.vv rela-tively, stationary.- supporting, structure mounting; saidpresser foot fory lever-operatingmovements into'1 andy out of the pathof` travel offV saidlever about; the. track. and power-operatedY mechanism for imparting lever-operating move-- mentsto said presser footto operate said lever to close.-the ironer.`

4. The structure-defined. in, claim; 3 inV which said. presser; foo-t isv elongatedgenerally in` the direction ofk travel ofsaid .operating lever about saidtrack..

5. Inlan, ironing machine ofthe class described. an endless circularl track. a supportingI structure. mounted and guided for travelling movements aboutr said track, driving mechanism: for impar-ta ing continuous and-uninterrupted movement to said supporting structureabout said-track, a normally-open garment ironer mounted on said supporting structure and comprising cooperating pressing shoes. mounted.- for` relative movement between a normally, open.- position and aclosed. position,l an operating leverv carried: by the sup-- porting.V structureY for movements with respect. thereto, operating linkage associated with said lever and one of said pressing shoes and, respon-v sive to movement of-L saidlever in one: direction to f close thel ironer, and lfluid pressure-operated. means adjacent--the-track. for moving saidoperating lever toward its vironer-closed position. .said meansIcomprisi-nga presser foot.Y arel'atively sta.- tionary fluidv pressure cylinder adjacent saidY track, a cooperating pistonA plunger mounting. said presser footfor lever-operating. movements into and=outv of. the patriot-travel of. said lever aboutthe `track, andcontrolmeansffor said uid pressure-operatedmeans, ,said control-,means infn cluding a control' element on. said supporting structure anda cooperating elementlocated-in ythe path of, travel of. said control element. wherebyv said. presser foot, is moved in denite timed relation to travelling movement of. said. lever aboutthe track.

6.. The structure defined inclaixn inwhichsaid control means comprises an abutment'.

mounted on said supportingstructure-ior common movements therewith about said track.. a control valvesupported adjacent the said track.

and .a .valve-operating .arm .operatively associated.

withsaidvalve. said armnormally lying in the patlroi. travelrof. said-.abutment and. responsive..

to engagement therewithto cause said valve to.. admit fluid under pressure to said cylinder.

7. The structure dened in claim 5 in further combination with manually-operated means .for rendering. theiiui'd pressure-operatedmeans inoperative. to movey said-presser foot `into the path. of travelof. the lever. about .said track.

8. In an ironingqmachine .ofthe class-described,A

an .endless circular,-track, a supporting; structure..

ing pressing shoes mounted for relative move- `ment betweenav normally openposition and a closed position, an operating lever carried by fthe supporting structure for movements with :re-- spectfthereto, operating linkage associated with jsaid lever and one of-said pressing shoesand responsive to movement of said lever in one direction to close'theironer, vmeans adjacent the track for movingsaidoperating lever toward its,

. i-r-'oner-closed position,` said means for moving saidlever -to its ironer-closed position comprisinga -presser -foot,r a `relatively stationary 4supporting structure mounting said presser foot for lever-operating movements into and out of the path of travel of said lever about said track, and power-operating mechanism imparting lever-opcratingmovements to said presser foot to close the ironer, means locking thel'ever. in said ironerclosed position, and mechanism for unlocking said operating lever to permit movements thereof in a direction to open said ironer, said unlocking mechanism including. a release lever pivoted to said supporting structure, a movable member adjacent said track in circumferentially-spaced relationship to said presser foot, a relatively stationary support mounting said movable member for release lever-operating movements into and out of the path of travel of said release lever about said track, and power-operated mechanism for imparting release lever-engaging movements to. said movable member.

9. The structure dei-ined in claim 8 in further combination with yielding means biasing said operating lever toward an ironer-open position.

10. In an ironing machine of the class described, an endless circular track, a supporting structure mounted and guided for travelling movements about said track, driving mechanism for imparting continuous and uninterrupted movement to said supporting structure about said track, a normally open garment ironer mounted on said supporting structure and comprising cooperating pressing shoes mounted for relative movement between a normally open position and a closed position, an operating lever carried by the supporting structure for movements with respect thereto, operating linkage associated with said lever and one of said pressing shoes and responsive to movement of said lever in one direction to close the ironer, iluid pressure-operated means adjacent the track for moving said operating lever toward its ironer-closed position, said means comprising a presser foot, a relatively stationary uid pressure cylinder adjacent said track, a cooperating piston plunger mounting said presser foot for lever-operating movements into and out of the path of travel of said lever about the track, and control means for said fluid pressure-operated means, said control means including a control element on said supporting structureV and a cooperating element located in the path of travel of said control element, whereby said press-er foot is moved in denite timed relation to travelling movement of said lever about the track, latch means locking the operating leverin said ironer-closed position, and mechanism for unlocking said operating lever to permit movements thereof in a direction to open said ironengsaid unlocking mechanism comprisinga releasefflever operatively associated with said locking means, a movable member, a relatively stationary support mounting said movable Vmember for release lever-operating movements into and out of the path of travel of the release lever about said track, and power-operated mechanism for imparting release lever-engaging movements to said movable member, said movable member being in spaced relation to said presser ,footfin the direction of travel of said ironer-supporting structure. A s l Y ,l

11f. The structure defined in claim 10 in which said power-operated mechanism comprises auid pressure cylinder, saidmovable member including a piston plunger operatively associated with 15. bination'with a control valve for saidpoweropsaid last-mentioned cylinder, and in further comerated mechanism, and means carriedl byf: the

' ironer-supporting structure 4for operatingfsaid control valve upon movements of said supporting structure about said track.

12. The structure dened in claim 10 in further combination withyielding means `biasing said operating lever toward an ironer-open position. f i Y,

13. In a machine of the class described, an endless circular track; a turntable rotatably mounted on said track; mechanism forfimparting continuous and uninterrupted movement to said turntable on said track; a plurality of normally open garment ironers mounted on the turntable in circumferentially spaced relationship; ieach of said garment ironers comprising cooperating pressing shoes mounted for relative movement between a normally open position and a closed position, a plurality of pivoted operating levers one for each of said ironers, linkage operatively associated with each operating lever and a respective one of said shoes, each said linkage being responsive to movement of its respective lever in one direction to close the ironer, yielding means biasing each lever and linkage toward an ironer-open position, and latch means locking each lever in an ironer-closed position; means adjacent the track for successively and independently moving each operating lever to its ironer-closed position; said last-mentioned means comprising a presser foot, a relatively stationary supporting structure mounting said presser foot for lever-operating movements into and out of the path of travel of said lever about the track, and power-operated mechanism imparting leveroperating movements to said presser foot; and mechanism for successively and independently unlocking the operating levers upon rotation of the turntable t0 permit movements of the levers in a direction to open their respective ironers; said unlocking mechanism including a plurality of release levers one each operatively associated with each of said locking mechanisms, a movable member, a relatively stationary support mounting said movable member for release lever-operating movements into and out of the path of travel of said release levers about said track in circumferentially-spaced relationship to said presser foot, and power-operated mechanisms for imparting release lever-engaging movements to said movable member.

14. In an ironing machine of the class described; Aan endless circular track; a turntable rotatably mounted on said track; mechanism for imparting continuous and uninterrupted movement to said turntable about said track; a plurality of normally open garment ironers mounted on said turntable in circumferentially spaced relationship, each of said ironers comprising cooperating pressing shoes mounted for relative -moverrxent between a `normally lopen V`position and a closed position, aplurality of -pivoted `operat- -ingflevers one -for'each ofV said ironers, linkage operatively associated -With #each operating lever `'and a trespeci'five one of -sa-id shoes each said 'linkage being frespons'ive to movement of vitsrevsposti-ve lever in one Adirection vto Aclose the lironer,

spring means yieldinglyv biasing veach lever and linkage 'toward an ironer-open position', vand .latch means locking each lever in an ironerclosed posit-ion; -iluid pressure-operated means adjacent ,tlle track for successively and independent-ly vmoving each operating lever vto its immer-closed position: said 'last mentioned #means Compris-ing va illu-id 4 pressure cylinder, La .stationary Ysupport mounting said cylinder, a pistou plunger cooperating Ywith Vsaid cylinder, and a presser foot :mounted on vthe free Yend of said 4plonger and movable therewith to and out of the path of travel of said operating levers about said track; and fluid pressure-operated inea-ns -for successively and independently Aunlocking the operating levers upon rotation of thev turntable to permit movements of the llevers ina direction Ato open said ironers; said unlocking means including a plurality of release levers one each operatively associated with each of said 'locking mechanisms, a iluid pressure cylinfder rigidly mounted adjacent `said track in circumferentially-spaced `relationship '-to said Vl-rstfrnentioi-'red cylinder, and a pis'ton vzlungfer mounted in 'said last-named :cylinder or release lever-'operating movements Yinto and out of the `path of travel of 4said releaselevers about said track.

15. The structure dened Yin 'claim '-14 in Viur-- lther 4coi-nb'in-ation with independent control means 'for each fof said fluid `operated means, each of said icontrol means lcomnrisingA a stationary control Avalve adjacent esaid tr-ack, a plurality of abutments one each associated with eachfo said ironers `for movements therewith about l'the track, zand Va valve-operating arm normally 'lying in the path -of ltravel of said abutments and responsive fto engagement therewithfto kcai-use said valve to -admit A-i'lu'id under'pressurev ito fthe cylinder as socia-ted therewith.

' JOHN 'H.

REFEBENGES .oltre-ED 'The following references are of :record ln the JI'lle of vthis patent:

UNITEDSTATES BA'IENTS Number Name Date Davis fOct. 7, `1930 

